The "Red Sea" Lands on the Bottom of the Gulf

Deep sea divers have a new artificial reef to explore after the 125-foot "Red Sea" Tugboat was dropped to the bottom of the Gulf this morning.

The Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau along with Florida Aquatic and Marine, and the Panama City Dive sank a 125-foot tug boat called the "Red Sea" this morning.

The sinking, which had been in the planning stages for nearly two years, when off without a hitch.

It was a sight to see.

If you've ever wondered what a sinking boat looks like, there was a chance to find out Wednesday morning, as the "Red Sea" made it's way to the bottom of the Gulf.

11 year old Nathan Bosworth said, "I've never seen anything like this it was so awesome, totally epic."

Michael Ramsey with the Panama City Dive Center added, "To see this every time it's totally amazing, there's no word to describe it."

The "Red Sea" was sent to the depths for a good reason. It will now be an artificial reef attracting fish, divers, and fisherman to this area.

Diver, Bill Lester said, "Just having all these new artificial reefs, Vadenburg just went down in the keys, this one just went down here. Just really opens up the repertoire of what's available you don't have to dive the same things over and over."

It's not everyday you see a boat going under, and it could mean a boost for the local economy

"It's a direct impact on the local economy around here. It gives the divers something they can dive on, plus it gives the fishermen. They can come out here and enjoy," said Ramsey.

Bill Lester and Steve Meadows are making a documentary about the sinking of the "Red Sea." They are starting a long line divers that will explore the Boat under water.

The Red Sea is resting 75 feet below the surface.

It's the first new shallow wreck site in the area since 1995, and it's gives experienced and novice divers a chance to enjoy an underwater adventure.

Steve Meadows said, "Panama City dive center did a wonderful job prepping this boat for divers. It's just such a wonderful site."

The newest artificial reef is sure to attract thousands of sea creatures and from the look of things divers won't be far behind.

The Red Sea wreck is located 6 miles off shore approximately 1 mile south of the old Midway site near the USS Strength.

For more on diving visit the Panama City Dive Center's website, www.pcdivecenter.com

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